Managing work equipment

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 set out requirements to ensure equipment which is provided for use at work is suitably selected and safe to use, including maintenance, inspection, information, instruction, and training, safety markings, and the environment in which the equipment is used.

What equipment does PUWER actually apply to?

The scope of ‘work equipment’ is wide because the regulations apply to a range of workplaces, from offices, factories, and construction sites, through to education settings and restaurants.

When deciding what work equipment needs attention, consider what risks your equipment presents, and if the equipment fails, would a person be exposed to significant risk?

In many workplaces, equipment could include power tools, pallet and forklift trucks, ladders and access equipment, and commercial catering and cleaning equipment.

Exclusions from the regulations include building structural elements such as walls and stairs, and substances. These fall under other, more specific regulations, such as The Building Regulations 2010 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Road safety legislation would take precedence over PUWER where vehicles provided for use at work are used on public roads.

Who has duties under PUWER?

The regulations place duties on employers, self-employed people, and people who have control of work equipment. A person who has control of work equipment would include an employer who provides work equipment to a non-employee, for example if an employer allows a catering contractor to use the employer’s own commercial cooking equipment or permits a cleaning contractor to use the employer’s window cleaning cradle.

In practice, what to duty holders need to do?

An assessment of your premises and the equipment in use will help you identify equipment which could present a significant risk and needs further attention. This can be achieved through a general risk assessment carried out under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

When thinking about selecting new work equipment, a risk assessment can help you consider key factors such as:

• Ergonomics, such as the position, layout and labelling of operator controls so users do not have to overreach or exert excessive force to use the equipment, and that controls are laid out logically.
• The environment, including if there is sufficient space to accommodate the equipment and users, if there is sufficient ventilation or extraction for gases or vapours produced, and if lighting is sufficient to allow safe use, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Impacts to users and other people, such as noise, vibration or heat that might be generated by work equipment.
• Safety features, including that the equipment is provided with necessary warnings, emergency stop controls, and guarding of dangerous parts.

Is your workplace in need of a general risk assessment? Speak to one of our experienced consultants about how we could help you.